Carousel //

Year 4 // Professor Ted Shelton.

Prompt // Revival.

Site // Carousel Theater - University of Tennessee Campus, Knoxville, TN.

CAROUSEL

The University of Tennessee’s theater department boasts a rich and esteemed history, with two on-campus theaters providing valuable opportunities for aspiring actors to hone their craft in various productions throughout the year. However, the Carousel Theater, while a cherished space for young performers to develop their stage presence, is in need of an upgrade. Its current condition no longer meets the growing demands of the department.

To honor the legacy of the original Carousel Theater, our proposal envisions an underground transformation, with a “ghost” of the Carousel theater pavilion rising above the subterranean structure. The site, positioned at a key intersection of campus, will serve as a hub for activity. We plan to extend the existing plaza and introduce a new student dining pavilion across from the “ghost” structure. This addition will not only serve as a venue for theater department gatherings and pre-show events but also enhance campus traffic flow and create a versatile space for a variety of uses beyond performances.